Over 350
registered RTs work in New Brunswick, specializing in airway
management and the treatment of respiratory related conditions such
as asthma, COPD (emphysema), congestive heart failure and other
respiratory illnesses. They also educate patients and their
families regarding respiratory conditions and associated
treatments.

"Respiratory therapists are instrumental in saving lives,"
said Kathy Kowalski, Director of Electrodiagnostics and Respiratory
Therapy for Horizon Health Network. "Their role touches every area
of the health care system, from emergency departments to intensive
care units to neonatal nurseries."

To help
celebrate Respiratory Therapy Week, the Respiratory Therapy
department at the Saint John Regional Hospital (SJRH) will be
hosting events in the main lobby, including an "Aerochamber
Exchange and Puffer Teaching Clinic", Monday to Friday from 11:00
a.m. -2:00 p.m. Respiratory therapists will be on hand to
instruct patients on the proper use of respiratory medications and
patients will have the opportunity to trade in the old AeroChamber
(spacer) for a brand new one, sponsored by Trudell
Medical.

An Open
House in the Respiratory Therapy Department at the SJRH will take
place on Wednesday, October 28th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.,
featuring respiratory care equipment, smoking cessation information
and free lung screening tests and pulse oximetry.

"This is
an exciting opportunity for our patients and the public to learn
more about the essential work being done by our RTs," said
Kowalski. "We look forward to sharing our services and presenting
some of the vital equipment used by our team."

The New
Brunswick Community College Respiratory Therapy program has trained
students at the Tucker Park campus in Saint John since 1989. The
program is fully accredited and is currently celebrating a 100%
success rate for its 2015 graduates on the national credentialing
exam. There are currently 125 RTs and RT students living,
working and studying in Saint John and the surrounding
area.